BurdaLuxury has named Meher Bajwa Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, effective January 28, 2026. Bajwa will lead the brand’s editorial growth with a discovery-focused, culture-first approach, expanding video-first storytelling and curated experiences to strengthen its authority in travel and community across the region.
BurdaLuxury, Asia’s leading media company, has announced the appointment of Meher Bajwa as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, marking a significant editorial shift for one of the region’s most influential travel publications. Effective January 28, 2026, Bajwa will take charge of the brand’s strategic direction, reporting directly to Christoph Pagel, Chief Operating Officer of BurdaLuxury. Her arrival signals a new chapter for the magazine, one that emphasizes discovery, cultural authenticity, and immersive storytelling designed to resonate with a rapidly evolving audience of Indian and South Asian travellers.
Bajwa’s appointment comes at a time when the travel media landscape is undergoing profound transformation. With audiences increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond traditional destination coverage, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia is repositioning itself as a culture-first brand. The editorial strategy under Bajwa will prioritize video-first storytelling, curated experiences, and a deeper engagement with communities across the region. This approach reflects a broader industry trend where travel content is no longer confined to glossy magazine pages but extends into dynamic, multi-platform narratives that blend authenticity with innovation.
Christoph Pagel underscored the importance of this transition, noting the unique role Indian travellers play in shaping global travel discourse. “Indian travellers are among the most curious and influential in the world today. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the way our readers at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia engage with travel content is evolving. Our audience seek trusted, authentic, and culture-focused experiences that go far beyond the destinations alone,” Pagel said. He added that Bajwa’s editorial vision, combined with her data-driven expertise, would help strengthen the brand’s connection with both its readers and its global partners.
Bajwa brings with her a wealth of experience in leading print and digital content operations across Asia. Her career has been defined by implementing growth strategies and managing multi-market initiatives, skills that will be crucial as she steers Travel + Leisure India & South Asia into its next phase. Known for her ability to balance creative storytelling with analytical insight, Bajwa is expected to introduce new intellectual properties for the brand in 2026. These initiatives will include the development of a credible review system, offering readers experience-driven insights that reinforce the magazine’s authority in travel journalism.
The timing of Bajwa’s appointment is particularly significant. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, audiences are increasingly discerning about the kind of content they consume. The demand is for narratives that highlight cultural depth, sustainability, and meaningful engagement rather than superficial coverage. Bajwa’s leadership is poised to meet this demand by curating stories that reflect the diversity and richness of South Asia’s travel landscape while also connecting with global trends. Her editorial philosophy aligns with the brand’s ambition to remain not just a chronicler of journeys but a trusted guide to experiences that shape identity and community.
BurdaLuxury’s decision to expand video-first storytelling under Bajwa’s leadership also reflects the changing consumption habits of audiences. With digital platforms becoming the primary medium for travel inspiration, video content offers immediacy and intimacy that traditional formats often lack. By investing in this medium, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia aims to capture the spontaneity of discovery and the authenticity of cultural encounters, making travel stories more accessible and engaging.
For Bajwa, the challenge will be to balance innovation with the brand’s legacy. Travel + Leisure has long been regarded as a benchmark in travel journalism, and its India & South Asia edition has played a pivotal role in shaping regional narratives. Bajwa’s task will be to honor this heritage while pushing the boundaries of what travel media can achieve in a digital-first era. Her emphasis on building intellectual properties and review systems suggests a commitment to credibility and trust, qualities that are increasingly valued by audiences navigating a saturated content environment.
The appointment also highlights BurdaLuxury’s broader strategy of reinforcing its leadership in lifestyle and luxury media across Asia. By investing in editorial talent and embracing new storytelling formats, the company is positioning itself to meet the demands of a generation of travellers who view travel not just as leisure but as a form of cultural exploration and personal growth. Bajwa’s role will be central to this vision, ensuring that Travel + Leisure India & South Asia remains a trusted authority while expanding its influence through innovative content.
As Bajwa steps into her new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how her editorial direction shapes the future of travel storytelling in the region. With her blend of cultural authenticity, strategic insight, and digital expertise, she is well placed to lead the brand into a new era of discovery-focused journalism. For readers, her appointment promises a richer, more immersive engagement with travel content—one that goes beyond destinations to explore the deeper connections that travel fosters.
In an age where travel is increasingly about meaning and memory, Bajwa’s leadership at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia represents a timely and transformative step. Her vision for 2026 and beyond is expected to redefine how audiences experience travel media, reinforcing the brand’s role as both a storyteller and a trusted companion in the journeys of its readers.
Discover more from Creative Brands
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
